Our Academic Profile

A student-centered research institution situated in a residential neighborhood of the nation's capital, we are home to eight prestigious schools and colleges, over 160 programs, and more than 13,000 students.

Schools and Colleges

With eight schools and over 160 programs including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, American University students choose a personalized curriculum of theoretical study and experiential learning, taught by internationally-recognized faculty in courses that take them from the classroom, to the nation’s capital, and all around the globe.

College of Arts & Sciences

The largest school at American University, the College of Arts and Sciences features more than 100 degree programs that span the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Our diverse, scholarly community offers outstanding opportunities for hands-on interdisciplinary research, internships, and creative expression.

Kogod School of Business

A top-ranked, AACSB-accredited institution, the Kogod School of Business offers undergraduate degrees and graduate programs, including an MBA. Students gain real-world experience through programs grounded in experiential learning and expert faculty that prepare them to lead in all sectors of business: public, private, and nonprofit.

School of Communication

From journalism to strategic communication to independent filmmaking and games, the School of Communication inspires tomorrow's digital storytellers. Students learn to produce media that matter with the support of faculty who have received the highest honors in their professional field, including Academy and Emmy awards and the Pulitzer Prize.

School of Education

With a vibrant community and passion for change, the School of Education is dedicated to creating and ensuring excellent learning experiences for every child. Through cutting-edge research, innovative outreach programs, and the development of inspiring coursework, students address the most challenging issues in the field.

School of International Service

A top-10 school of international affairs, the School of International Service prepares graduate and undergraduate students for global service in government, nonprofits, and business while connecting them to an active international network of more than 20,000 alumni. Our students graduate prepared to combine knowledge with practice and wage peace in our world.

School of Professional& Extended Studies

Dedicated to professional and experiential learning, the School of Professional & Extended Studies (SPExS) offers an array of options for lifelong learners spanning the applied social sciences. Programs range from undergraduate internship-based semester programs to market-driven online master's degrees for professionals at critical junctures in their careers.

School of Public Affairs

Set in the heart of our nation's capital, the School of Public Affairs is a top-ranked school of public administration and policy, government, and justice. From our politically-engaged campus, students gain access to world-class faculty members, influencers, and internship opportunities where they can have a meaningful impact on our world.

Washington College of Law

Today's economic, political, and social changes require innovative legal solutions. As one of the most diverse law schools in the country, the Washington College of Law equips students to navigate this new reality. Programs include international law, law and government, trial advocacy, and business, with experiential opportunities through clinics and externships.

American University is a private, co-educational doctoral institution situated in a residential neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C. We are classified as an R2 Institution, ranked "Doctoral: Higher Research Activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We are a Methodist affiliated institution.

Courses run on a 15-week semester basis in fall and spring, with shorter summer-term classes. In addition, we offer study-abroad programs and alternative breaks. 95 percent of our undergraduates participate in at least one internship during their time at AU, and 71 percent of students participate in study abroad. Our undergraduate freshman retention rate is 89.8 percent, and 81 percent of freshmen graduated from AU within six years.

Our student body is cosmopolitan and globally diverse, with all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 152 countries represented. Seven percent of undergraduates and 13 percent of graduate students are international. The university's mission is carried out by 889 full-time faculty and approximately 1,500 full-time staff. 94 percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field. Among our 621 adjunct faculty are policy makers, diplomats, journalists, artists, writers, scientists, and business leaders.